Person holding a Sony PlayStation Dualshock Controller
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If you have a Sony PlayStation 5 and several PlayStation 4 controllers sitting around, you might exist wondering: Tin I utilize a DualShock four with a PS5? The answer is yes—with a big caveat. We'll explore the options.

The DualShock 4 Just Works with PS4 Games on PS5

Sony lets y'all pair a PS4 controller to your PS5, simply you can only utilize information technology to play PlayStation 4 games locally on the console itself.

To play PS5 games, you lot'll need to apply a PlayStation v DualSense controller. If y'all try to exercise otherwise, you'll see a bulletin that says "Tin can't use the DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller to play PS5 games."

The "Can't use the DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller to play PS5 games" message on a PS5.

In its Ultimate PS5 FAQ, Sony says, "PS5 games volition require employ of the DualSense wireless controller, as they have been designed to take advantage of its immersive new features."

There is a workaround though. If yous use Remote Play to play your PS5 games streaming through another device (such as an Apple Television set), y'all tin can play PS5 games with a DualShock 4 that is linked to the streaming device.

RELATED: How to Connect a PS4 Controller to Apple Goggle box

How to Pair a DualShock 4 with a PlayStation 5

The easiest way to pair your PS4 controller with your PS5 is by using a USB cable. Find a Micro-USB cable and plug one end into the DualShock 4 and the other cease into a USB-A jack on your PS5.

Plug a USB cable into the back of your DualShock 4 PS4 controller.

Printing the PlayStation button on the DualShock four once, and information technology will power on and link upwards to your PS5 automatically. Afterwards that (as long as the controller has enough charge), y'all can unplug the USB cable and utilise the DualShock 4 wirelessly.

Pretty like shooting fish in a barrel!

If yous want to pair your DualShock 4 wirelessly instead, ability up your PS5 and navigate to Settings > General > Bluetooth Accessories (using your PS5 controller).

Select General > Bluetooth Accessories

Next, put your DualShock 4 into pairing fashion. To do and then, make certain the PS4 controller is turned off completely. And so printing and hold the Share button and the PlayStation push button on the DualShock 4 until the light on the acme of the controller begins to flash apace.

When powered off, hold Share and the PlayStation together until the light flashes to put the DualShock 4 into pairing mode.
Sony

When you see "DualShock 4" appear in the list of Bluetooth devices, highlight it with your PS5 controller and press Ten.

Highlight "DUALSHOCK 4" in the list and press X.

Your PS4 controller volition pair with your PS5, and you'll be able to use it to play PS4 games. Just remember that you'll need to employ a PS5 controller for PS5 games. Have fun!

RELATED: How to Use the PlayStation 4'southward DualShock 4 Controller for PC Gaming